Personalized cancer therapies aim to provide a treatment that is tailored to the genetic makeup of a patient’s tumor. They can still cause side effects, however, when they accumulate in certain off-target tissues. Nanoparticles can help to increase drug accumulation in the tumor, and reduce off-target tissue exposure, helping to increase drug effectiveness and reduce side effects.

This research team has developed a machine learning approach that allows almost any class of personalized drug molecule to be incorporated into a nanoparticle. Their technique involves studying which attributes of drug molecules allow them to self-assemble into a nanoparticle, and then working backwards to design drug molecules that readily form nanoparticles.

Dan Heller

Unlike most conventional nanoparticle delivery systems, the resulting new nanoparticles are almost 90% drug, meaning they can potentially pack a larger therapeutic punch. The team has tested their nanoparticle therapies in a mouse model of cancer, with encouraging results, and their work has recently been published in Nature Materials.

Medgadget asked Dr. Daniel Heller, senior author on the study and Head of the Cancer Nanomedicine Laboratory at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Assistant Professor at the Weill Cornell Medicine, some questions about the concept.

Conn Hastings, Medgadget: Can you give us some brief background on how you got interested in this area?

Daniel Heller, Sloan Kettering Institute: We realized that many of the personalized/precision drugs on the market still have quite serious side effects, and often they need to be given at high doses to have a strong effect on tumors. This inspired us to take a deep dive into developing drug delivery systems that not only target the specific proteins/pathways involved in cancer, but that also physically target the tumor sites as well.

Medgadget: What are some of the major challenges facing personalized medicine and nanoparticle delivery systems?

Daniel Heller: Personalized medicines are diverse—there are dozens of approved drugs and hundreds in development and their chemistries differ widely. The assembly of nanoparticles usually depends highly on the chemistry of the drug and there is a lot of trial-and-error based formulation. Therefore, it would normally take quite a lot of effort to make nanomedicines out of each different precision drug. We thought this issue could be tackled by some computer magic.

Medgadget: So, how does the machine learning approach work?

Daniel Heller: My postdoc and lead author on the paper, Yosi Shamay, discovered a new method to build nanoparticles quickly via self-assembly of the drug into a core, coated by amphiphilic molecules, but we realized that this only worked for certain drugs. To figure out why, we made a ‘training dataset’ out of the lists of particle-forming and non-forming drugs. We then asked the computer which molecular properties of these drugs made them fit into nanoparticles. Our computational chemist collaborators (John Chodera and his student Mehtap Isik) helped to make sure we were actually learning something meaningful and not just seeing a statistical fluke. Both Yosi and I were new to machine learning, but we found that it really can help build great nanoparticles. It fits into a brand new field called “nanoinformatics” that is applying computational tools to nanotechnology.

Medgadget: The technique aids in modifying drug molecules so that they can be readily incorporated into nanoparticles. Does this mean that the activity or safety of the drug could be affected?

Daniel Heller: We identified a new set of parameters that one could use to design a drug to fit it into a nanoparticle. As medicinal chemists know, any change in a drug molecule can also change the many other factors, like target affinity and specificity, that must be tested. Luckily, these chemists can often do amazing things to balance out different factors.

Medgadget: How do the new nanoparticles accumulate in tumors? Can they be functionalized using antibodies, for instance, or do they rely on leaky blood vessels in tumors?

Daniel Heller: We found that these nanoparticles can target caveolae on blood vessels. These structures can often increase transport across capillaries and are often upregulated in tumors. We can also modify the surface of the nanoparticle to reach other targets.

Medgadget: Can you give us some insight on your result in vivo to date, and your future plans for this technology?

Daniel Heller: We found that these nanoparticles could target precision drugs to tumors to improve their anti-tumor effects while eliminating their most significant side effects. We are determined to use our new nanotechnologies and machine learning methods to improve the effectiveness of drugs in cancer patients, and we hope to test new nano-medicines in clinical trials soon.

Conn Hastings received a PhD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland for his work in drug delivery, investigating the potential of injectable hydrogels to deliver cells, drugs and nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. After achieving his PhD and completing a year of postdoctoral research, Conn pursued a career in academic publishing, before becoming a full-time science writer and editor, combining his experience within the biomedical sciences with his passion for written communication.

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On behalf of the organizing committee for Bioinformatics Conference 2019, it is our honour and pleasure to cordially invite you

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On behalf of the organizing committee for Bioinformatics Conference 2019, it is our honour and pleasure to cordially invite you to the International Conference on Bioinformatics & System Biology, which will be held on March 20-21, 2019 at Singapore.

Working with the topic “The Rise of Biological Era”, the Conference comprises of 11 tracks/sessions that are designed to address the various issues and innovations in all the related fields of Bioinformatics.

Bioinformatics Conference 2018 promises to offer an exciting scientific program with various experiences such as plenary lectures, expert sessions, awards, workshops and industry symposia, etc., uniting a worldwide blend of vast and medium therapeutic and clinical research and analytic organizations, driving colleges and medicinal research foundations.

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Scientific Federation conferences are covering a broad range of research in the Science, Technology, Medical, Pharma, Clinical and Engineering. Attending

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Scientific Federation conferences are covering a broad range of research in the Science, Technology, Medical, Pharma, Clinical and Engineering. Attending a Scientific Federation Conferences are immense access to ground-breaking research presentations and discussions, and the informal atmosphere and smaller size of a conferences provides the best break to develop collaborations, get innovative ideas and opportunity for your own work – and plan for the subsequent stage of your scientific career. Scientific Federation organizing 4th World Congress & Expo on Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems (Pharmaceutics-2019), which will be held during March 25-26, 2019 in Milan, Italy. This conference brings well versed scrutinizers at one place and provides a platform to have open discussion, knowledge sharing and interactive sessions with field experts.

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2nd International Summit on Dermatology (Dermatology-2019), which will be held during March 25-26, 2019 in Milan, Italy is now an established event,

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2nd International Summit on Dermatology (Dermatology-2019), which will be held during March 25-26, 2019 in Milan, Italy is now an established event, attracting global participant’s intent on sharing, exchanging and exploring new avenues of Dermatology and related research and latest developments. The event will have 5-6 world level (Highly cited class) Plenary speakers, established Keynote speakers, active Invited speakers and fresh contributed speakers. In addition, variety of poster presentations along with workshops and special sessions would be interested in audience.

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10% off with code D10-874-874AX01
This premier event is designed to provide professionals working in the life sciences space with a

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10% off with code D10-874-874AX01

This premier event is designed to provide professionals working in the life sciences space with a strong working knowledge of core FDA competencies.

In addition to providing a “101” training, our updated agenda offers advanced guidance sessions discussing the pathways to approval, a patent and IP overview for pharmaceuticals, post-approval issues, and recalls and withdrawals. In addition, each step of the process comes with strategies to apply this knowledge to real-life situations.

Experts at this event will help you:

COMPREHEND the structure of FDA

GAIN a practical working knowledge of clinical trial process for pharmaceutical products

MASTER the basics of the application and approval processes for drugs, as well as follow-on products such as ANDA’s and Biosimilars

RECOGNIZE the pivotal role of labeling, as well as promotions and off-label communications in drugs and biologics

APPRECIATE the complexities of pharmaceutical IP and the regulatory balance between brand name and generic products

UNDERSTAND the importance of cGMPs to the post-approval regulatory process

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MEDinISRAEL is the flagship event of the Digital Health industry in Israel. The goal of the conference is to promote

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MEDinISRAEL is the flagship event of the Digital Health industry in Israel. The goal of the conference is to promote the use of transformative technology in healthcare by bringing the global healthcare ecosystem closer together and creating better alignment and collaboration across borders and sectors. The event will feature Israel’s leading eHealth companies and experts from around the globe who will discuss topics such as, Telemedicine, Hospital at Home, Medical IoT and Patient Engagement, Cybersecurity in Healthcare, and AR/VR Applications in Healthcare.

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The Medical Imaging Convention is the UK’s only free event that offers a comprehensive programme on the latest innovations in

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The Medical Imaging Convention is the UK’s only free event that offers a comprehensive programme on the latest innovations in imaging diagnosis and treatment. The event provides the most up-to date research, data and developments that will enable better patient outcomes, efficiency and cost effectiveness in UK medical imaging.

After a massively successful show in 2018, The Medical Imaging Convention makes an exciting move to the NEC, Birmingham on the 26th & 27th March 2019 for its biggest show to date.

The event provides a unique platform for 2,500 Senior Management teams, Radiology Managers, Hospital Managers and PACS Managers to discover the latest innovations currently revolutionising the industry, and hear expert guidance through inspiring CPD accredited seminars, transforming diagnosis and treatment within areas such as cancer, stroke, dementia and major trauma.

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Europe’s largest trade event of its kind will attract more than 3,500 of the world’s top neuro professionals to Birmingham

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Europe’s largest trade event of its kind will attract more than 3,500 of the world’s top neuro professionals to Birmingham for a world-class two-day show. Playing host to expert speakers, CPD-accredited seminars, interactive workshops and a selection of the most innovative neurological solutions available, this is the most important two days of the year for the global neurology profession.

After a massively successful show in 2018, The European Neuro Convention makes an exciting comeback to the NEC Birmingham on the 26th & 27th March 2019 for its biggest show to date.

The event provides a unique platform for clinical experts, senior decision makers and budget holders from the UK’s leading hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practices and clinical commissioning groups. They will all get to discover the latest innovations currently revolutionising the industry and hear expert guidance through inspiring CPD accredited seminars.

The event is completely free to attend, to book your free tickets go to: www.neuroconvention.com or call 0117 990 2097.

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Europe’s premier trade event for oncology professionals bringing over 2,000 leading clinicians and researchers from the UK and Europe’s leading

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Europe’s premier trade event for oncology professionals bringing over 2,000 leading clinicians and researchers from the UK and Europe’s leading public and private hospitals together. The show provides the perfect platform to source the latest innovationsand education in preventing, diagnosing, treating and caring for head and neck, lung, GI, breast and GU cancer.

After a hugely successful show in 2018 at ExCeL, London, the European Oncology Convention makes an exciting debut at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on the 26th & 27th March 2019 for its biggest show to date.

Throughout the two days, oncology experts will discover the latest innovations currently revolutionising the industry and discover expert guidance through inspiring CPD accredited seminars.

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On behalf of OLOGY MAVENS we take an immense pleasure to invite you to attend the conference "World Congress on

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On behalf of OLOGY MAVENS we take an immense pleasure to invite you to attend the conference “World Congress on Neurology & Neurological disorder” during April 08-09, 2019 in Toronto, Canada, and will be organized around the theme “Divulging contemporary advances in Neurology“. Neurology Congress 2019 will bring together experts like Neuroscientists, Clinicians, Neurogeneticst, Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Medical practitioners, Care specialists, academic professionals and students from all over the world to share an interest in the genetic pathways underlying neurological disorders, techniques to identify those genetic pathways, and the use of genetics and genomics as tools to develop therapeutics.

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Human Genetics Meet 2019 invites all the participants from all over the world to attend 6th World Congress on Human

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Human Genetics Meet2019 invites all the participants from all over the world to attend 6th World Congress on Human Genetics and Genetic Diseases, composed of theme- “Know the current generation to save the future generation” is during April 08-10, 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE which includes prompt keynote presentations, Oral talks, Poster presentations and Exhibitions.

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Ireland's medical technology sector has evolved into one of the leading European clusters for medical technology and diagnostic opportunities. Our

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Ireland’s medical technology sector has evolved into one of the leading European clusters for medical technology and diagnostic opportunities. Our annual Innovation Summit Dublin, located in the heart of this technology sector, is recognized as the leading medical technology investment forum in Europe.

This top-tier annual event brings together more than 450 leading experts, innovators, and key decision-makers to discuss the critical challenges facing the ever-evolving global medtech community.

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Built on a foundation of seven years of timely and informative content the 8th Digital Marketing for Medical

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Built on a foundation of seven years of timely and informative content the 8th Digital Marketing for Medical Devices West conference is an integral part of ExL Events’ industry-leading Digital Marketing for Medical Devices series. Organizations, both large and small, will share insights on how they are communicating to their market about the groundbreaking devices they offer. This conference is designed to provide tactical presentations that can serve as a roadmap to implementing similar programming at your organization.

Top Five Reasons to Attend

1. Network with other medical device marketers who are facing similar challenges and opportunities so you can learn from one another in a more casual setting.

2. Learn about recent successes and failures presented by stakeholders who lived through them in order to identify new opportunities and proactively anticipate roadblocks

3. Participate in discussions around integrating sales and marketing to develop more cohesive outreach, reduce duplicative work and open communication to ensure departments are learning from one another

4. Demonstrate value in a meaningful way to key customer bases, whether they be financially-driven executives at hospitals, clinically-driven surgeons, and healthcare providers, or patients who are motivated by several different factors

5. Participate in the industry’s leading event series that provides you with unparalleled networking opportunities, insights you can’t get anywhere else, and access to vendors and solution providers who can help you develop and execute marketing strategies that stand out

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This premier marcus evans event will bring together the foremost leaders within the human factors and usability engineering space to

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This premier marcus evans event will bring together the foremost leaders within the human factors and usability engineering space to identify techniques and strategies for greater usability testing and risk management activities to ensure optimal product safety.

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Neonatal & Maternal Healthcare Conferences regards each one of the individuals to go to the "Neonatal Nursing Congress 2019" amidst

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Neonatal & Maternal Healthcare Conferences regards each one of the individuals to go to the “Neonatal Nursing Congress 2019″ amidst May 08-09, 2019 at Tokyo, Japan which melds brief keynote presentations, speaker talks, Exhibition, and Workshops. Neonatal Nursing Congress 2019 is one of the Neonatology meetings which will be visited by all the prestigious Neonatologist, Gynecologists, postgraduates, affiliations, business meanders under a solitary rooftop. This Neonatal Nursing Congress or rather all Neonatology meeting 2019.

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After another two very successful gatherings last year, marcus evans Summits is proud to announce the 29th National Healthcare CFO Summit taking place on the 19-21 May 2019 at the

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After another two very successful gatherings last year, marcus evans Summits is proud to announce the 29th National Healthcare CFO Summit taking place on the 19-21 May 2019 at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Palm Beach, FL.

The Summit is the premium forum bringing senior level healthcare finance executives and solution providers together. The healthcare industry continues to undergo a period of disruption and uncertainty, to truly achieve population-health and preventative care, it must get off the heads-in-beds model. It is up to the CFO’s to lead and drive strategy within their organization to ensure that they do so in a financially sustainable way. Our event is a fantastic opportunity to network, participate and discuss with the world’s foremost strategists, thought leaders and trend setters who will deliver visionary keynote presentations, real-life case studies and interactive sessions in an intimate and exquisitely comfortable setting.

At the heart of the event is our unique one-on-one business meetings in which industry service providers are granted access to exclusively C-level, pre-qualified senior financial executives within the largest healthcare organizations across the United States and beyond. Along with this the world’s foremost strategists, thought leaders and trend setters will deliver visionary keynote presentations, real-life case studies and interactive sessions in an intimate and exquisitely comfortable setting.

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The Deep Learning in Healthcare Summit is set to explore the latest technological advancements in the field and how they

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The Deep Learning in Healthcare Summit is set to explore the latest technological advancements in the field and how they are applied within the healthcare industry. With presentations, panel sessions and workshops from industry leaders, researchers and academics, and innovative startups, the 2-day summit will be an opportunity to improve your knowledge and network with leading experts in the field.

Please use discount code “MG20” to get 20% off summit tickets!

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may 23 (Thursday) - 24 (Friday)

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InterContinental Boston

510 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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On behalf of the Organizing and Program Committees we take great pleasure in welcoming academic scientists, researchers, research scholars, students and experts of application fields to Nice, France for the

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On behalf of the Organizing and Program Committees we take great pleasure in welcoming academic scientists, researchers, research scholars, students and experts of application fields to Nice, France for the 3rd edition of Women Health conference to foster the progress in the field by contributing with your expertise to what promises to be a very comprehensive and exciting meeting, and to enjoy the immense unique artistic heritage and wonderful landscape of France.

3rd International Conference on Women Health and Breast Cancer (Women Health-2019), which will be held during May 30-31, 2019 at Nice, France is now an established event, attracting global participant’s intent on sharing, exchanging and exploring new avenues of Women Health and related research and latest developments. The event will have 5-6 world level (Highly cited class) plenary speakers, established Keynote speakers, active Invited speakers and fresh contributed speakers. In addition, variety of poster presentations along with workshops and special sessions would be interested in audience.

The aim of the Women Health-2019 is to promote quality research and real-world impact in an atmosphere of true international cooperation between scientists by bringing together again the world class researchers, International Communities and Industrial heads to discuss the latest developments and innovations in the fields of Women Health and Breast Cancer.

We sincerely hope that Women Health-2019 serves as an international platform for meeting researchers from around the world, widen professional contact and create new opportunities, including establishing new collaborations.

Medical technologies transform the world! Join us and see the progress in real time. At Medgadget, we report the latest technology news, interview leaders in the field, and file dispatches from medical events around the world since 2004.